From the minutes of the November McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole meeting comes this information from Erin Smith, who serves on the Pace Board despite the fact he has not be Lakewood’s Village President for almost two terms:
Erin Smith, Pace Board of Directors, joined for the presentation.
Ms. Smith provided an overview of Pace’s 2025 budget and operations. Smith highlighted that 2024 has been a transformative year for Pace, with a 20% surge in fixed-route ridership, the highest since the pandemic, and paratransit ridership now 8% above pre-pandemic levels.
This reflects Pace’s ability to adapt service and innovate to meet changing commuter needs.
Some of Pace’s key initiatives in 2024 included:
- Launching the Ride Share Access Program (RAP), which expands mobility options for ADA paratransit customers by reimbursing them for using ride-sharing services.
- Expanding demand-response services in areas where traditional fixed-route service is not warranted.
- Continuing to provide county-level grants to support services like the MC Ride program in McHenry County.
For the 2025 budget, Pace’s suburban service budget is balanced at $287.5 million, with no fare increases or service reductions planned.
However, federal COVID relief funds will cover a $41.4 million shortfall.
Pace is projecting a 6.1% increase in ridership in 2025 and plans to expand fixed-route service in high-demand markets, improve weekend and late-night service, and continue supporting innovative programs like on-demand and vanpool services.
Smith emphasized the importance of public input in Pace’s long-term “Revision” plan, which examines how to best adapt the transit network to changing travel patterns.
[S]He encouraged greater engagement from McHenry County municipalities in this planning process.
Overall, Pace’s presentation highlighted its resilience, innovation, and commitment to providing flexible, accessible transit options for the suburban Chicago region, while also acknowledging the fiscal challenges ahead as COVID relief funds are exhausted.
Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 00:53:06
